Infiniti J30

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  • kavanmkavanm Member Posts: 3
    Bsc, thanks for your help. I have another question. A few people told me that Octane boost stuff you can buy that you put in the gas tank is good to run through there every now and then. Any thoughts on this? Does it do anything noticeable? Thanks again.

    -Kavan
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    I had my radio do the same thing and eventually it died on me for good.

    It cost me $330 to get it fixed. $250 flat rate for fixing it and the punks at the Infiniti dealer charged me 1 hour labor to remove the head unit.

    Try to remove it yourself and maybe you can find a local shop that'll fix it for less.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    I have a 93' J-30 with 98K miles and I just bought a 97'with 43K miles. The 97' is perfect inside and out, no scratches or dings, and no paint chips. I really looks like a new car, and all the service was done by the book at the dealer! It had one owner on a 48 month lease that started March of 98', so it was one of the last J's. It has Moda wheels and Continental tires.
    My 93' has a K&E air filter and I've used Mobile 1 sythetic oil starting when it turned about 40k miles. I plan to do the same thing on the 97'. It also has Enki wheels and BF Goodrich 235/45/17 Comp TA tires which look vey cool on the J. The 93'is still running as good as the day I bought it.
    I looked at a lot of new cars, and narrowed my choice down to the Passat, the Audi A-4, and the new Infiniti G-35. When I found this mint condition J for about half to two thirds the price of the new cars, I was sold. Based on my experience with the first one, it's been a great car! By the way, the dealer told me that Nissan stopped production on the J because it was too expensive to manufacture at the target price.
    The new G-35 is the closest thing to the J, and I plan on buying one of those in 42 months from the same guy that leased the 97' J. I told him to call me when his lease is up.
  • hoflorinhoflorin Member Posts: 1
    I found a 97 J30 with 80K miles that the dealer
    wants to sell for little under $10k.
    The car looks good and drives OK with two minor? problems. The front vibrates at around 80 mph and
    it also vibrates when braking hard.
    While the first one seems to be balance on wheels
    I am afraid the second could require the rotors to be turned. Am I right? I am no car expert.
    One more question: how expensive is to change the timing belt since I might be required to do that
    in about 20k miles if I decide to purchase the car.
    Thank you in advance.
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    J30 is always a good buy, if properly maintained (like most cars).

    The timing belt will cost about $4-500 to change. You may get it done cheaper or for a bit more depending on where you go. The Infiniti dealerships I trust slightly more than an independent but if you have a good independent mechanic who normally does your work, go to that person. It's up to you.

    Try to get your parts cheap.
  • jiaminjiamin Member Posts: 556
    Last Saturday I had only a few minutes to test drive one of the two 97 J30. Didn't hit highway. It is an Infiniti certified one. Maybe due to its age (about 60K miles on it), When I started acceleration the car sounded a bit too loud. The gear shift from 1st to 2nd is a bit too abrupt. Other than those, a very good car. I tried passing two cars in an S-shaped route and felt very comfortable. I like its overall design, inside and out. If I buy the J30 it'll be my third car therefore I don't care about its small trunk space and tight rear seat.
    If anyone could give me some idea what a certified 97 J30 (not a touring model) from an Infiniti dealer should cost me, I'd appreciate it.
    Thanks
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Jia, it must be a fairly excpetional car to be certified after 5 years. I haven't seen any certified Js on the Infiniti lot here but I suspect they would have one or two if people didn't hoard these cars.

    Certification of any cars adds about $500 to $1000 dollars to its overall price, generally. I would look to pay at or below Blue Book prices. Check the net to see what similar cars are selling for.
  • jiaminjiamin Member Posts: 556
    Hi bscblue,
    I think I must be wrong. The sale person said it passes some 135 point check, as well as carfax history check. I am not sure if this type of check is the same as certification. I didn't ask and he didn't say it's certified.
    Thanks for your response.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    I bought my 97' from a dealer, and it was certified with 40k miles. The car is virtually undistinguishable from a new car inside and out so I didn't mind paying $17K. The bumper to bumper warrantee good for 2 years or 70K miles, and the drive train until March of 2005.
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    The car's interior will look that new for a long long time. The J30 has very high quality materials.

    My '93 J30t looked new when I sold it last year.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    Now that I own a 93' and a 97' J-30 I'm beginning to notice minor differences besides the major changes listed in previous postings.
    The 93' has lighted exterior door locks. When you use the remote to open doors, the locks are lighted in a green light. Cool, but I'm not sure why they had this feature because once you've unlocked the doors remotely, you don't need to see the door locks.
    The 93' also had a very complete service manual in the small compartment on the left side of the trunk. I'm not sure why this was not included with the newer models, because it is a very complete manual, similar to a Chiltons that you might purchase, but it was supplied by the factory. Both of these were probably cost reductions.
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    I didn't know hat, BJ. We'll have to keep these in mind when people ask about differences between the model years. It'll wow the heck outta all the J30 newbies! :o)
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    Lighted exterior door locks - in the '93 when you pull the door handle, the interior lights as well as the door lock lit up. This was a little luxury feature. Of course, by using the remote this feature didn't matter but if you were using your key at night, it kinda helped.

    I think the service manual was no longer provided to save costs. I wonder if some of the european luxury brands offered the service manual?
  • joegtrib13joegtrib13 Member Posts: 1
    I'm thinking of buying a `94 J with 107K on it. It looks as though (from reading some postings) that I may have trouble with the steering and AC. Is there anything else I should look for? Price is $5,900.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    More minor differences between the 93' and the 97'.
    The 93' has chrome exhaust tips and the 97' does not (more cost reductions?).
    The 97, has a wood surround on the passenger window switch, the 93' does not.
    Minor differences, but every day I'm seeing more of these.
    The biggest difference is the 4-wheel steering on the 93'. I notice definite difference in the cornering, but then I also have 235/45/17 tires on the 93'.
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    I think the reason of the chrome exhaust deletion is because many luxury cars at that time did not have those types of "kid racer" add-ons and considered them too "undignified."

    Luxury cars today have clamored for this look now, most notably the Acura TL, which designers said they had to beg the Honda headquarters in Japan to let them keep that element from the concept. Even the Lincoln Continental has chrome exhaust tips. Go figure the turn around.
  • santex55santex55 Member Posts: 11
    I'm looking at buying a '97 J30...41K for $l5500.
    Am somewhat confused about gasoline. What is recommended...87, 89 or 93 octane. I read a posting here from a J30 owner who said he has been using 87 octane for years with no ill effects, comments?
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    You are buying a luxury car and they require a bit more maintenance, preventative or oherwise, than a '93 Toyota Tercel.

    Unless the gas station you go to has exceptionally pure gasoline in all their grades (and few do), I would stick to using PREMIUM only. People who spend that kind of money originally on such a car ($45 grand) could afford that kind of gasoline and any type of maintenance. If you can't or won't spend the extra few pennies to keep your J30 in the utmost working order by not skimping on the gasoline, I wouldn't suggest you buy one. Engine trouble is already terribley expensive. I wouldn't exacerbate anything or tempt the fates with cheap gas in any form.

    We already know that auto manafacturers are trying to reduce costs by any means they can, starting first with their cars' quality instead of their excutive paychecks. Just think what the gas companies are probably doing!

    To put it all in perspective, I know a few people who skydive, with no side effects like getting splattered in a cornfield. Now, if I went and did it, I could die as soon as I jumped out of the plane. In this case, what others did for years with no bad consequences happening I could do and easily end wishing I hadn't. Give your future J the best start in your life. LOL
  • lsclsc Member Posts: 210
    The J30 requires "Premium Unleaded Fuel Only". From my ownership experience, this means premium fuel only from BRAND NAME.. ie. Shell, BP, etc. gas stations.

    Anything less will probably result in a fouled up fuel injector. Also, using Mobil 1 motor oil is highly recommended.

    You really have to baby this car. Otherwise, you'll be spending a lot more money later. Trust me...I know.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    Do you want to elaborate on your statement "Otherwise, you'll be spending a lot more money later. Trust me...I know."
    Although I've been using Mobile 1 in my J that has 100k miles, I'd still like hear about any problems that you've had.
    I remember an earlier post on this site that said to drain and flush the trannie, and replace the transmission fluid with Mobile 1. Have you done this?
  • doctordave1999doctordave1999 Member Posts: 14
    Well, my beautiful J30 finally got smashed in a wreck two months ago. I didn't cry because my family was in the car and miraculously they walked away without a scratch. It was either the car or my family, so losing the car wasn't so sad. I needed a larger car as the kids have grown, so I found a Q45 that was in immaculate shape and got it as a replacement. Feels like a J30 on the inside, but much more trunk room and rear seat legroom.

    But my business partner is now lamenting my loss, and she is looking for a J30 to replace her Ford T-bird----a real move up in the world. Since I enjoy shopping for J30's so much, I promised to help.

    We are looking for a black J30 with tan interior, reasonable miles, for under $10K. We're in Birmingham, AL with easy access to Nashville, Atlanta, or other Southeastern cities. Our local dealer is currently sold out of used J30's, and keeps trying to sell an I30 instead. Nice try, but it's not the same car (I know, because my wife drives an I30).

    So, how about it? Anybody out there have a black J30 with tan interior for sale, or know someone who does? Model year and mileage are flexible, as are the J30 vs. the J30t. I think the touring model is a bit better but not everyone prefers the sportier, stiffer suspension.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Glad you are enjoying your Q and I'm really glad no one was hurt in the accident.

    You and your business partner should have a look at Edmunds.com's Used Power Shopper either to look for a J30 and/or a J30t (or any other used vehicle).

    The Membership Agreement strictly forbids using the Town Hall to buy or sell anything at all, so if any of our members have a vehicle that fits your description, the only way he or she could make it available is through that link.

    Good luck - I hope you find something suitable.

    Pat
    Sedans Host
  • santex55santex55 Member Posts: 11
    bscblue made reference to a '97 J30 originally priced at $45K...is there a source on the internet where you can look up original prices of cars?
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    Santex, you can check numerous sources but for the most "brochure-like" presentation on the car with all kinds of specs, try Autopedia. Here's a link: http://autopedia.com/Infin/97J30.html. The J had a few incentives then as well.


    Dave, I'm glad you and your family are okay. I really fell bad for your J. But the Q45 will bring just as much pleasure! Now that I've got mine, I want another J! I guess that's the way the car is; it grows on you.


    Well, as most know, I bought my J online and found the experience to be much better than walking onto a lot. I searched the web and found a few J30s that your coworker may want to check into. You are more willing to find a deal through the web and circumvent the salepeople and any pressure they may try to enlist in getting you into an I30. LOL Ebay has one that I at first thought was black but was instead Jade Green, which looks black anyway. It's a 1997 model with just a paltry 48k miles on it! Can't beat that. Have a look: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1822425444

  • jspears2jspears2 Member Posts: 19
    I live in gadsden and have a 93 j30 that is emerald green with camel interior. It has 140k. willing to part if necessary.
  • jspears2jspears2 Member Posts: 19
    Does anyone know where I could purchase a manual for a 93 j30? My slot in the trunk is empty. Please help
  • jspears2jspears2 Member Posts: 19
    I have a 93 J30 that has had Bose problems. Instead of sending it in to get fixed, I decided to purchase a head unit- big mistake it doesnt work. You have 4 amps in the car- another Bose thing. My radio was on the fritz, sometimes it would work and then when I turned the car off I would have to take the unit back out and plug it back in. After a week I got tired of this and decided to cut the constant power wire to the unit. The only problem this causes is that you have to turn the switch one position for a minute then crank and the unit does not hold memory but I can deal with it and I saved myself a 125 bucks. If anyone needs to take out their radio it is very simple, pop off cover around shifter, remove 2-3 bolts, take off trim around radio/a c, then remove radio and unplug. This process takes about 3-5 minutes.

    Does anyone have problems with their sunroof leaking? When I wash my car the roof leaks just enough to get the bottom side of the sunroof soaked. Anything I can do to prevent this?

    141k miles and still going strong
  • santex55santex55 Member Posts: 11
    My wife and I decided to do it...we're new owners of a '97 J30, only 42K miles...silver w/tan interior...it's soooo beautiful. Want to thank everyone for their help and advice. I look forward to sharing information in the future. The car did not have a remote for the "keyless entry system." The dealer can sell me one and program it for around $l40. Anybody have any other ideas?
  • santex55santex55 Member Posts: 11
    for jspears2...call Infiniti at 1-800-782-4356. You can get a manual for $12.
  • santex55santex55 Member Posts: 11
    bscblue...you're wonderful...lot's of good info...went to ebay...quite a few I30 remotes, will those work on a J30? By the way...as soon as I get off work, I gonna go to the dealer and tell them bscblue suggested I tell them.........
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    Was that an Infiniti dealer that wanted to sell you the remote? If it was, they should give it to you as a gesture of customer support.
  • verozahlverozahl Member Posts: 574
    How many of you J30 people also have a late 90s Taurus in the garage? Those are ovalish too.

    I see J30s occasionally. The shape is unforgettable, and it's a lot better than the other closest try (the Taurus).
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    I know how all the J30 owners love their cars and love to gloat about them . . . And in keeping witht hat spirit, I found some interesting things out about it and wanted to share them with the j30 lovers and enviers on the board.


    Forbes has the car in its list of "The Greatest Japanese Cars of All Time." The links: http://www.forbes.com/2001/04/23/0423feat_print.html


    And I found at the Infiniti Owners Club that in Japan, some guy took a J. Ferie (the Japanese J30) and implanted the 300ZX's 300HP TWIN TURBO engine with, get this a 5-SPEED! They had pictures of it up a while back but I had a devil of a time remembering which owners club I saw them at. The pictures are gone now. But I saw them. I guess a heart transplant like that for the J30 isn't detrimental to its health and hard for it to reject. And it wasn't at all expensive liek you may be thinking.


    I could forgo the 5-speed in favor of an automatic but I guess some people would want to dust an M3 or two on the road. If I see the pictures again, I'll let y'all know.


    I wonder if their is a tuner in the states who would be capable of swapping the engines like that . . .

  • santex55santex55 Member Posts: 11
    I saw a dealer photo of a J30, a frontal shot that inspired me to remove the license plate and holder on the front of my J30. The car's beauty is really enhanced without that big ugly license plate in the way. It is a little upsetting that Infiniti makes no provision for a front plate. As such, the dealer screws the holder into the plastic bumper. Upon removal you're looking at what is basically a damaged bumper, big, nasty holes. I took a little bit of child's modeling clay, filled the holes and touched up with paint...looks better, can't really tell at a distance. I'm sure there are better materials for this kind of cosmetic care, any suggestions?
  • doctordave1999doctordave1999 Member Posts: 14
    Thanks, Town Hall Host, sorry for the etiquette faux pas, didn't realize we couldnt buy, sell, or trade on here. Guess I should read the 'membership agreement' fine print better. It is important to follow the rules, I hate "spam" like everyone else.

    Jspears2, I will pass that info on to my business partner. Is there a way to contact you (e-mail address) outside of this board?

    Anyone else with a good J30 to sell in the Southeast (prefer black exterior, tan interior) can contact me via e-mail with info at the following address: dnull2@csc.com

    I'm not the buyer, but will forward the info on to my business partner, who has solicited my help in shopping.

    In regard to another post, my old remote from my wrecked J30 did not work at all on my I30, but when I got my Q45 I was able to re-program it instantly. Instructions can be found at infinitihelp.com

    Finally, if Infiniti is out of stock when you call for an owner's manual, ask them to give you the number for a company called Dyment. They are the publisher and can put one on back order for you.

    Thanks,

    Dr. Dave
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    bscblue, the Forbes article is really interesting. It just confirms what the J-30 owners have known all along! This is a car that was ahead of it's time, and most likely will be a collector's car in the future.
  • jiaminjiamin Member Posts: 556
    I'd appreciate it if someone could tell me what the spec is. My Maxima's steel wheel is 15 x 6JJ and offset is 1.57" (40MM). I'd like to know if they are the same/exchangable.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    Try asking the "experts" on this website about the wheel specs for the J-30.


    http://infinitihelp.com/Infiniti/index.htm

  • jspears2jspears2 Member Posts: 19
    What actually goes in the slot on the left side of the trunk. I have read that some sort or manual should be there. Is this the owners manual? If so where can I purchase one. thanks
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    jspears2,
    See post #431 for information on the manual.
  • santex55santex55 Member Posts: 11
    We just got to what I thought was the bottom of our first tank of gas in our new '97 J30. The gauge was registering 1/8 of a tank. I went to fill it up and put in only 13 gallons. According to the specifications, the tank holds 19 gallons.
    Is there really that much of a margin between the gauge and what really remains?
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    I would assume that luxury car manafacturers would not want any of their clients being stuck anywhere due to a "ran out of gas situation," and so they save you from yourself and utter embarassment. Think of it as a courtesy. ;o)
  • morrish1morrish1 Member Posts: 8
    Have a 97 J30t that has a vibration in it since the last service. The Dealer (Roswell Infiniti) can't seem to find the issue or even admint that there is one. The J has 45,000 miles on it and a set of Toyo's with about 15,000 miles on them. Has anyone had this issue with their J and does anyone know if there is a good performance shop or garage in the Roswell/Alpharetta, Ga. area that can find this vibration or work on Infinit's? Really had it with the dealer.

    Any help is appreciates. I love the car, but don't like driving it right now.

    Thanks,
    Shannon
  • jspears2jspears2 Member Posts: 19
    Moorish I used to live in the Alph/Roswell area and the only certified Infinti repair shop other than the dealer is in Marietta, I cant think of the name of it but if you can get ahold of a Marietta phone book you will find it, it says in the add that they are certified. It could be the driveshaft, struts, shocks, etc.
  • bscbluebscblue Member Posts: 103
    It's Infiniti of Marietta. Try them and see what they can do for you.
  • troysketroyske Member Posts: 1
    I recently purchased a beautiful black J30 in great condition and only 40k miles. Love the BOSE system so much I blew a woofer or something in the left rear speaker. Any ideas on the cheapest way to get it replaced or fixed?
  • morrish1morrish1 Member Posts: 8
    Wanted to post a follow up to the vibration issue that I noted earlier. Turns out that it is the Toyo tires. (I bought it from the Dealer with Toyo's on it) I did some research on Toyo's and found that they have a recommended balancing procedure that seems more involved than most. Looks like they get a few complaints on this issue. Anyway, Roswell Infiniti was able to balance the tires enough to get rid of the vibration when referencing this procedure. They did find one tire that would not balance 100% and considers it bad. I'm just going to wait and replace them with a different brand when they get some more miles on them. Hate to waste a tire that has some good tread left (unless it's dangerous).

    Thanks for the suggestions and help. It's good to know of alternatives to dealers. And really, still love this car, especially after reading the Forbes article.

    Thanks,
    Shannon
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    Troyske, you might ask Crutchfield if they have a replacement speaker for your J. The website is

    http://crutchfield.com
  • martingriffithmartingriffith Member Posts: 2
    The wheels on my '93 J30 could stand to be replaced or, if possible, refurbished. Any thoughts out there?
    Thanks
    MGriffith
  • martingriffithmartingriffith Member Posts: 2
    One other question: Are remote entry mechanisms available for a '93 J30?
    Thanks again.
    MGriffith
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